Serie A clash between Udinese and AS Roma was abandoned after Cote d’Ivoire international Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch on Sunday.

The 24-year-old defender went down off the ball with 72 minutes played at the Bluenergy Stadium and was carried off on a stretcher after treatment, giving a thumbs-up gesture.

His club later confirmed that Ndicka, former Auxerre and Eintracht Frankfurt player, was conscious and had been taken to hospital for checks.

Roma, in a statement on the club’s X (formerly Twitter) account, said: “Following the on-field medical emergency involving Evan Ndicka, the match between Udinese and Roma has been suspended.

“The player is conscious and has been taken to hospital for further checks.

Leverkusen thrash Werder Bremen 5-0 to win first Bundesliga title

“Forza Evan, we are all with you! 💪”

Udinese also tweeted: “We are with you, Ndicka.”

Roberto Pereyra had given the home side the lead before the break, but Romelu Lukaku made it 1-1 with 64 minutes gone.

The score was 1-1 when Ndicka fell to the ground in the 71st minute – with the action at the other end of the field – and started pointing at his chest.

The players and the referee frantically called for medical assistance. Ndicka was able to put his thumb up to the crowd as the 24-year-old player was stretchered off barely two minutes later.

Roma coach Daniele De Rossi immediately followed them down the tunnel. When he returned, he talked to his players and also spoke with Udinese counterpart Andrea Sottil.

The club, in another post on X, said: “The squad went to visit Ndicka at the hospital.

“Evan is feeling better and is in good spirits. He will remain in the hospital for further observations.

“Forza Evan! 💪”

The Star